When: Friday, October 13, Saturday October 14, Sunday October 15 from 8:30am

Where: The MECC

Details: The annual Mackay Eisteddfod continues with a range of entertainment. From verse and comedy to tap dancing championships and Irish dance performances there is something for everyone. Single session entry is $6 and ten session passes are $50. The program can be accessed on the Mackay Eisteddfod website.

Guided walks at the Botanic Gardens

When: Friday, October 13, 10am

Where: Administration Building, Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens

Details: Free guided walking tour through the lush gardens and scenic lagoon for an informative morning stroll. Guided walks run every Friday at 10am. Call ahead to book at 49527300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au.

Movies in the Meadow

When: Friday, October 13, 6:30pm and 8:45pm

Where: Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Details: Celebrate Friday, October 13 with a movie night at the Meadowlands Amphitheatre in the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. There are two movies on:

6:30pm The Lego Batman Movie (PG)

8:45pm Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them (M)

Entry is free and popcorn, pizza and coffee will be available on site.

Cape Hillsborough Blokart Regatta

When: Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15 from 10am

Where: Cape Hillsborough Beach

Details: The Blokart Regatta is an action event set in front of the backdrop of the beach. Blokarts race on the beach driven by wind. Karting is a social sport for all ages and can be tried out on the weekend. Call 0439736141 for information. There will be sausage sizzle and marquee's for shade. Entry is free.

The Dark Arts: Shane Gibbs' Humanals come to life

When: Saturday, October 14, 7.30pm - 10:30pm

Where: Artspace

Details: Experience the best of the dark arts, music, food and wine. Local hair designer Shane Gibbs' latest sculptural works blur the boundary between traditional hairdressing and art. He creates sculptural 'looks' from unconventional materials such as steel wool, pipes, wire and wooden skewers. The Dark Arts sees these works come to life in a performance show. Tickets are $40 per person, at Artspace, and include canapes and entertainment.

What to do with a book

When: Saturday, October 14, 10am - 11:30am

Where: Dudley Denny City Library

Details: Hosted by Australian Literacy Educator's Association (ALEA), this free session aims to assist adults in helping babies and children with their reading and language development in the early years, at home and at school. Led by Chris Topfer, early year's education expert and author of "Supporting literacy learning in the early years”.

Abundance Day Food Share

When: Saturday, October 14 from 10am - 1pm

Where: Mackay Community Gardens

Details: Join the community gardens for a morning of sharing knowledge and food. The gardens invite the community to get together to share their home-made or home-grown food they have in abundance. But it is not necessary to bring food. The idea is based on a permaculture principle. Bring a plate to share for morning tea.

Run for MI Life

When: Sunday, October 15 from 6:30am

Where: Wests Leagues Club Mackay, Walkerston

Details: Run, walk or stroll in support of suicide prevention and mental health awareness. The run is held in the name of Matthew Ivory, who took his own life in 2012. Since the first run in 2014, the event has spread to five locations in 2017 and raised over $150,000. Entry fee is $35 Adults, $25 Children, $95 Family Pass, $20 Primary School Group, $30 High School Group, Supporters Tickets are $5.

Fiji Day

When: Sunday, October 15 from 5pm

Where: CQUni Mackay City Campus basketball court

Details: Join the Fiji Day Celebrations to celebrate the Fijian culture. There will be live music, dancing, singing and authentic food. Tickets are limited and cost $15 (16y and over) and $30 for a family. Email fijiansmackayregion@gmail.com or phone 0412092604 or 0467348138 for photos.

Meetings with Remarkable People

When: Sunday, October 15 from 5pm - 7pm

Where: Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music

Details: A performance by developed by Crossroads Arts, an organisation developing opportunities for people with disability and in aged care. The Small Miracles ensemble will explore the stories of those living in drought affected and flood prone areas in Queensland. Dance, film and music has been used to interpret natural disaster from the perspective of the landscape, people, place and time.